Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Des Moines is 9% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,054/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ≈ Same
$63,966/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 13%
$183,700 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 19%
$1,137/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 10%
212,464
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,279/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Montgomery slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Des Moines or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Montgomery?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Montgomery?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $8,279/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Alabama?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Montgomery details →

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